EL approves energy programs

The school board overseeing Elk Lake and Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center’s approved an energy savings package that should save the district $8.9 million over the next 20 years.

The proposal by Nick Sracic of Johnson Controls will require the district to borrow $4.9 million and will cost $6.8 million over its 15-year life.

The board also approved a capital contribution of $702,120, of which the Elk Lake School District will contribute $491,562 and SCCTC will kick in $210,558.

Under the plan, the secondary school will be retrofitted with a boiler upgrade and SCCTC’s ‘B’ building will convert from propane to natural gas.

Other upgrades including lighting retrofitting, equipment conversions and occupancy sensors were presented by

Regarding floating a bond for the project, Les Bear of R.W. Baird Inc., said, “I’m very optimistic about getting a very strong rating for this district.”

He noted that bond prices and interest rates will available by Feb. 19, in time for the project to commence, and rates are very favorable at this time.

The project depends upon the availability of utility natural gas to the schools.

The Leatherstocking Gas Company has committed to supplying the campus with natural gas by December 2014, or it will make restitution if it cannot.

A temporary propane tank will be installed by the opening of the next school year, Superintendent William Bush noted.

It is also conceivable that a trench line from the Church Compressor Station nearby can be installed, with a possible compressor and dehydration station on the district property, if necessary, he said.

In other business: Pamela Staats, Director of Special Education, completed a “State of the District Report,” especially focused on new laws and how they impact the Elk Lake School District.

In his Principal’s Report, Brian Mallery noted that 26 students were selected for an Outstanding Students Luncheon.

The Student Council’s talent show in December was a success, and the event organizers chose to make it a “No Judging” talent show.

Christian Sprout represented Elk Lake at PMEA District Chorus, and was also chosen for District Orchestra.

Mallery noted that the recent band and chorus Christmas concerts were the first for new music teacher Ryan Barry, and that they were very well received.

He praised Kathleen Amabile and Dave Cooper for their hard work for all of the holiday concerts.

In the principals’ reports section on the agenda, it was announced that a regular school day would be scheduled for Monday, Jan. 20 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) to make up for a snow day. Graduation will be held on June 14.

A letter was received from Kim Hollister, business manager, regarding her intention to retire at the end of the 2013-14 school year, which was accepted with regret, and mention of the high quality of her job performance over the years.

The board granted permission to post a school counselor position. Several new staff members or instructors were hired. Heather Charles was hired as welding instructor; Tina Decker was hired for the LPN/special projects secretary position. Three LPN clinical supervisors were hired: Christopher Drake, Rebecca Drost, and Donna Brigham. Robyn Welch was hired for an associate’s position.

Permission was granted to advertise for bids for three new vehicles: a bus, a van and a car. A $37,676 donation was received for scholarships for 100 SCCTC students from the Community Foundation; another was received for $610 for the nursing program from a private individual.

A sewer system maintenance agreement for SCCTC student built house #4 was awarded to Mountain Wastewater Management.

During both board meetings, Bush recognized the board members for doing an outstanding job over the past year.